Day: February 25, 2018

Good evening everyone. I hope each of you have had a great and enjoyed the Spring like weather with the warm temperatures. I told several people this week that it was hard to believe it is February with weather like this. I am not a real big fan of cold weather and it seems the older I get the harder it is to tolerate the cold temperatures. And I’m sure the blood thinner I take doesn’t help either. So this has been a blessing for me.

I’m sure you are wondering why I have titled the post as I have. I think by the time I finish tonight you will certainly understand why. As I have mentioned before, my good friend Bob Moore and I started a weekly Bible study about a year ago and we meet on Saturday mornings. It is open to anyone who would like to attend and we have anywhere from 6 to 15 each week depending on everyone’s schedule. We began last year in the gospel of John and have just now reached chapter 11. I believe it has been a blessing to everyone involved and I also believe that each one of us is growing in his faith. Most of us attend different churches and are involved in different types of ministry which sets the stage for the process of iron sharpening iron just like the Bible says. And God’s Word never fails.

Last week we changed the venue somewhat and begin using our time to allow some members of the group to share their personal testimony and story with the group. We only have enough time each week for two guys to share and the time seems to fly. Last week we heard two great testimonies and each one was very different from the other. But the thing they each had in common was the fact that a wonderful change had been made in their life when they said yes to Jesus. And they have never been the same and continue to serve Him faithfully to this day. What a blessing that was last week and I thought it couldn’t get any better than that. But I was wrong.

Today we again heard testimonies from two more in the group and these guys have either never shared before or have shared very little. But that did not make any difference in the impact that they had on the rest of the group. Their stories were simple, but real and sincere. But even more that, they were very powerful. One man in this seventies and one man in his eighties shared what Jesus means to them and what God has done in their life. They moved all of us to tears because their testimonies were wrought with emotion and they just can’t get over it. And it is obvious that they have a great hunger for God’s Word and that is why they are a part of the group. Again, I was so blessed by them that I have been walking on clouds all day. I can’t wait to hear more personal stories next week. We already have two more guys who have volunteered to share and I know what a blessing it will be to all of us. God is so good!

I think you may be getting the picture of why the title. But let me add a little more to it. I remember a time when it wasn’t uncommon for a pastor to forego preaching a sermon and open up the floor to the congregation to share their hearts. Some would have a word of personal testimony of how they were saved or what God had done for them. Some would just want to praise Him. Others would share a burden on their heart and ask the folks there to pray for them. And some would just sit and soak it all in. However, it was always a spirit-filled time of unusual worship and praise and I truly believe everyone left there with their hearts full of blessings from the Lord. So what happened? Why does this not occur anymore? Have we got too sophisticated? Are we just looking for some kind of entertainment? Or have we just got too complacent? Whatever the reason, my prayer is that we would experience revival in our hearts and then see it bear fruit in our lives. I long for that day. Can I get a witness?